Friday, March 31, 2017

THE COMBAT AIRLIFTER CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads
by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail
your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, Ark. 72078. You may also e-mail them
to combatairlifterclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in
Friday’s issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

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Explosive Ordnance Disposal Airmen from the 19th Civil Engineer Squadron provide expertise in locating, identifying and neutralizing explosive devices on Little Rock Air Force Base and throughout the state of Arkansas and in some parts of Tennessee and Mississippi.

On average the EOD team responds to unexploded ordnance, or UXO, calls at least once every two weeks in different regions of the state. This type of mission requires EOD to work closely with law enforcement and fire department agencies.

“The partnerships we develop with the local and state bomb technicians as well as the FBI are important in ultimately saving lives,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Daniel Werner, 19th Civil Engineer Squadron commander. “Each organization has its strengths and knowledge. Sharing tactics, techniques, procedures and the latest information on hazardous devices improves everyone’s ability to defeat the threats found.”

The FBI hosts a quarterly statewide meeting where law enforcement, fire departments and EOD train and discuss situations which arose within the quarter.

“The partnerships we have with local law enforcement and fire departments is honestly the best I’ve ever seen in my career,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Mark Stafford, 19th CES EOD team leader. “They are a tremendous help when it comes to giving us knowledge on what we are going to see when we arrive on site.”

When preparing for a mission, a team leader looks for as much information as possible so he and his team do not enter into a situation blind.

“It’s a lot of responsibility to be a team leader because you’re not only trying to reach your objective, but you also have to make sure that yourself and your guys are safe,” Stafford said.

At a minimum, EOD personnel train twice a week. This ensures each technician remains focused on the mission.

Attention to detail is paramount in the EOD career field and can mean the difference between life and death. This is where the EOD motto comes into play: Initial success or total failure.

“Our mission is obviously dangerous, so we take training very seriously and work extremely hard at being good at what we do,” Stafford said. “We know if we don’t succeed initially, then there’s that possibility that it could be the end of it. We always have to keep that in the back of our minds.”

With the help of law enforcement agencies and the fire department, EOD protects and safeguards Little Rock AFB, portions of Tennessee and Mississippi and the state of Arkansas.

Since the early 1900s, women have fought for increased opportunities and have contributed to a more diverse and talented U.S. Air Force.

Women’s History Month celebrates the progress and contributions made by those women, who paved the way for new generations of females in the military.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jill Tanner, 314th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant, and U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Esther Keeney, 19th Medical Group first sergeant, share their experiences as women in the armed forces.

Q: At what age did you enlist and why?

Tanner: I was 19 years old. I joined because my dad told me to pull my head out of my back side and do something bigger than myself. I was an unruly kid so I wanted to get away from Ohio. I spent three years active duty, then went Reserve, but came back because I missed it. I liked the way the Air Force operated, the way people were taken care of, and how I changed for the better.

Keeney: I was 18 years old. I joined because my grandfather served as well. He was my big inspiration. I also wasn’t quite ready to go to college and needed something to get me out of being in trouble.

Q: What made you want to become a first sergeant?

Tanner: I became a first sergeant because I wanted to exemplify what I wanted to see in a first sergeant. I wanted to be that person that was advocating for Airmen, standing up for them and doing what’s right.

Keeney: My initial first sergeant is what made me want to be one. I heard stories of first sergeants being mean, cranky and angry, but I never had one fit that stereotype. My original first sergeant was there for me when I was in trouble. He picked me up, didn’t yell at me and guided me. That’s kind of where it started for me.

Q: What perspective do women bring to the first sergeant position?

Tanner: It shouldn’t be about being a woman or a man, we do our jobs to the best of our abilities regardless of differences in character and personality.

Keeney: We have very strong characteristics and morals that we are able to put that into what we do. You often hear this stereotype that women are too emotional, and that they put too much emotion into the decisions they make. I try to combat that stereotype. I’m able to take a step back and look at the facts and the situation at hand before I make any recommendations or work with someone.

Q: How do women support the Combat Airlift mission?

Tanner: It’s more about what everyone contributes regardless of gender. I feel like if we focus on what women can bring specifically, then we are opening it up to bias again.

Keeney: For the most part we can do every single thing that a man can do.

Q: Have you faced any obstacles in your career being a female in the military?

Tanner: At the beginning of my career, I felt like I had to prove something. I was in a relatively male dominated career field and some people thought I would use being a woman as an excuse not to do my job. I had to work extra hard to prove them wrong and not be that person. That was 20 years ago though, mentalities have changed since then.

Keeney: I have been very fortune enough to have not experienced any issues being a woman in the military.

Q: Do you think gender matters in a leadership position?

Tanner: Absolutely not, it’s based on how Airmen can perform their job, not who or what they are. If you’re a strong female and you do a great job as a first sergeant, that’s awesome, and vice versa. It’s the same for any other position.

Keeney: Absolutely not, because I think every single person brings a different perspective and it doesn’t matter whether you’re a male or female. Your perspective can help everybody get to where they need to be.

“The men and women serving in the U.S. Air Force are representative of the diversity of our nation,” said (Ret) Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Cody. “We value this diversity and it’s one of our greatest strengths; our Airmen come together to produce an incredible team that can accomplish any mission and overcome any challenge.”

Hundreds of Airmen erupt into cheers and applause in a hangar after a name is announced. Among the crowd, a young Airman screams in disbelief. With tears of joy streaming down her face, she makes her way onto the stage to shake the commander’s hand.

She looks to her family after receiving her award and is reminded of where they were seven years ago.

Before the accolades and recognition for her career, a son came into her world. On July 29, 2010, Barrett was born and, with him, brought unpredictable challenges.

Katie and Daniel Cogbill noticed delays in Barrett’s verbal and motor skills shortly before his first birthday.

“He was able to do certain things like wave hello,” Katie said. “One day, he just stopped doing it like he never learned it in the first place.”

Barrett needed more than what his parents could research on their own. The Cogbills placed their son on a year-long waiting list to be seen at the Texas Children’s Hospital Autism Center.

ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs a child’s ability to communicate and interact with others, according to the Mayo Clinic. It affects one in 68 children and each child’s case is unique.

Just under 2 years old, Barrett was considered delayed in verbal communication.

“We have to always keep an eye on him,” Katie said. “Like other children with autism, Barrett has an attraction to water. In the area we were staying, there was a lot of swampland and bayous.”

Although, Orange, Texas, may have a lot of swampland, the town didn’t have resources for children with ASD, which resulted in Barrett not receiving enough therapy.

“We could get therapies through companies that would only send someone twice a week for 30 minutes,” Katie said. “I had to fight tooth and nail to get him the help he needed.”

While fighting financial stressors and lack of resources, Katie’s strength and hope never wavered.

“I was working two, sometimes three, jobs at a time and taking care of Barrett,” Katie said. “Sometimes I would go to bed crying about how it would never get better.”

Knowing sleepless nights on friend’s couches wouldn’t get her family anywhere, she knew the choice she needed to make.

With the full support of her husband and son, Katie enlisted in the United States Air Force in 2014.

Her love, tenacity and dedication to her family led her to join the one percent of those in the United States who choose to enlist.

“From the time he got his diagnosis, I wanted to go into the medical field,” Cogbill said. “I wanted to find out more about neurological disorders like ASD so I could become more connected.”

After joining the Air Force, she didn’t only leave behind a small town, she left behind the worry of choosing between groceries or electricity. In addition to financial stability, Cogbill received therapy benefits for Barrett and was shown how the Air Force fulfills its promise to take care of its people.

With the resources now available, Barrett receives occupational speech and physical therapy, and applied behavior analysis several hours a week.

“Barrett now attends school in Cabot and showed improvement after being there for one month,” Cogbill said. “He’s doing so much better than he was a year ago. He’s gone from having trouble sitting still in a chair to sitting with his entire class for lunch.”

While she celebrates Barrett’s progression with her husband, Cogbill continually balances being a parent and a successful Airman.

“She is definitely one of the hardest working Airman I have ever met; her work ethic is always above and beyond.” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Laura Loggins, 19th Medical Operations Squadron Medical Services flight chief. “She is extremely dedicated to her studies, peers, family and patients.”

After being in dead-end jobs and having financial instability, Cogbill’s devotion to her family led her to defy the odds and get out of their predicament.

“My family and I went from sleeping on a friend’s couch and floor just a few years ago to where we don’t have to worry about keeping the lights on or buying groceries,” Cogbill said. “I joined the Air Force to be able to better care for my family. I have wanted to do nothing else but be the best that I can ever be to ensure that they are cared for.”

Cogbill’s successes and challenges led up to her standing amongst hundreds of Airmen in a hangar being recognized as the Airman of the Year for the 19th Airlift Wing.

Friday, March 17, 2017

THE COMBAT AIRLIFTER CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads
by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail
your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, Ark. 72078. You may also e-mail them
to combatairlifterclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in
Friday’s issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

NEEDED: 20 young men to supplement our award winning
chorus for parts in the presentation of our music. Acapella Rising, (501)
791-SING.

HOMEOWNERS! There may be Money For Your Home if you need:
METAL ROOFS, SIDING OR WINDOWS. The Government has set aside UP TO $25,000 PER
HOUSEHOLD FOR THESE IMPROVEMENTS! Save Hundreds!!!! *Free estimate. Payments
$59/Mo. No money down. 1-866-668-8681*wac. Senior and Military Discounts.**

BECOME A HOME INSPECTOR IN 30 DAYS OR
LESS - Class starts soon! We offer: Home & Commercial
Inspection Training, & Continuing Ed Inspection classes. For
details, info: Call 501-796-3627 or
email abc@tcworks.net for details or visit: www.abchii.com**

CNAs or PERSONAL CARE AIDES for Faulker, Saline &
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Dark clouds hover over the 19th Airlift Wing Base Operations building as if signaling the imminent arrival of bad weather.

A storm system highlighted with bright green, red and yellow light up a radar monitor conveying an ominous message for the 19th Operations Support Squadron Weather Flight.

Airmen work around the clock to collect and analyze the information as they piece together a picture of what’s to come.

Spring is tornado season and the weather flight Airmen are on the lookout for a potential threat.

Nearly six years ago, a twister ripped through Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. Located in “tornado alley,” the base has a history of being impacted by severe weather conditions.

As meteorologists, Airmen monitor weather patterns 24/7 and alert aircrews and base populace of severe weather conditions imminent in the local area.

“We play a vital role in the mission,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Ian Bergstrom, 19th OSS Weather Flight commander. “From pre-planning to execution, we brief aircrews on weather conditions and alert them if anything pops up during flight.”

Just as the U.S. Navy uses radars and NASA uses satellites, the 19th OSS Weather Flight employs both systems to observe weather patterns hourly.

The team measures and monitors rainfall, cloud height, thunderstorms, temperatures, tornados, hail and much more to ensure the safety of the C-130 and its aircrew.

The data collected is then used to produce five to 3-day forecasts for the 19th Airlift Wing, 314th Airlift Wing and 189th Airlift Wing.

The forecasts are distributed using the flight’s three main functions: staff services, mission services and airfield services.

Human input is the key element that sets the weather flight apart from ubiquitous weather applications. They maintain a 93 percent accuracy rating compared to an 84 percent rating by leading weather applications, according to the Consumer News and Business Channel.

Engines, tool boxes and water tanks; if one ceased to exist, a fire truck would not be able to successfully serve its purpose. Just as the fire truck has different tools to accomplish a task, the 19th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department has different elements, both military and civilian personnel – to ensure seamless operations.

The fire department has 51 personnel currently assigned – seven civilians and 44 service members.

The 19th CES Fire Department staff is charged with protecting life, property and the environment within the boundaries of the Air Force installation, provide fire suppression forces, highly-capable rescue crews and aggressive fire prevention and education programs to protect the lives and property of the members on the installation. They are also tasked with preserving the installation’s ability to deliver unrivaled tactical airlift by responding to flightline emergencies.

“Any task, whether within the department or assigned from our leadership outside of the department, cannot be accomplished without the team effort of our military and civilian firefighters working together,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Mark Johnson, 19th Civil Engineer Squadron deputy fire chief.

Responding to calls on and around Little Rock Air Force Base, the fire department responded to 646 emergencies in 2016.

“Under our mutual aid agreements with our local partners, 19th CES Fire Department can be requested to respond off base to any nature of emergency,” said James Farrell, 19th CES civilian assistant chief. “The personnel and skills we bring can be a tremendous asset to many of our partners.”

Local fire department civilians serve to provide continuity through their knowledge and experience which is learned over their years of exposure.

“Civilians exist to impart their knowledge and experiences on their younger troops,” Farrell said. “They work side by side, teaching the military the things they have learned over many years at the same installation. Conversely, our military teaches many of our civilian’s new techniques and skills they learned at other bases, things our civilians would not have otherwise been exposed. It is a two way street. Both components of the total force contribute to the other.”

Service members work alongside civilian firefighters as one team to accomplish missions and conduct training exercises. Though the civilians make up a small portion of the fire department, they have a large impact.

“Our civilians hold a wide range of positions from the installation fire chief down to our lead firefighters working with the operations section,” Johnson said. “Three of our civilians hold key leadership positions within the department: the assistant chief of training, the assistant chief of fire prevention and one of two assistant chief of operations. Each one is just as important as our non-commissioned officers with regard to training and mentoring our young Airmen and firefighters.”

Training exercises are conducted to ensure safety and efficiency during real-world emergency situations. By preparing for what could happen, the fire department personnel are more knowledgeable in high stress situations. In 2016 alone, the department conducted 314 training sessions, averaging out to approximately 26 monthly training sessions.

“We would absolutely not be able to complete the mission without the partnership with civilians,” Johnson said. “Although our department has only a small number of civilians, their knowledge and experience are vital to the department. Military members are constantly moving in and out of Little Rock AFB due to moving bases or deployments. The steady state of our civilians is essential in maintaining continuity throughout the department.”

Two Airmen from the 19th Aerospace Medicine Squadron at Little Rock Air Force Base recently took top honors at the Air Force level for the Air Force Medical Service awards for fiscal year 2016.

The AFMS recognizes the accomplishments of Airmen who demonstrate extraordinary expertise, leadership and commitment in the medical career fields. Hard work and dedication are core attributes of both U.S. Air Force Capt. Austin Bennett and U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Devante Scarver.

Bennett was awarded the USAF Biomedical Specialist Category I Officer of the Year – Company Grade Category award. Bennett deployed to Afghanistan where he directed multiple teams, rebuilt programs and maintained a 4.0 grade point average in pursuit of his master’s degree.

“I knew I had a pretty good [award] package, but I really did not expect to win at Air Force level,” said Bennett, 19th AMDS occupational health element chief.

Scarver was awarded the USAF Public Health Airma n of the Year. This year, Scarver led and managed more than five different programs as well as volunteered and honed his professional development skills.

“It’s a blessing because of where my career started,” said Scarver, 19th AMDS public health technician. “It wasn’t a smooth start, but to be able to just be put up for that award in itself speaks levels to me.”

These Airmen epitomize professionalism in the Air Force Medical Service and set the bar for future award recipients.

Friday, March 10, 2017

THE COMBAT AIRLIFTER CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads
by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail
your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, Ark. 72078. You may also e-mail them
to combatairlifterclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in
Friday’s issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

NEEDED: 20 young men to supplement our award winning
chorus for parts in the presentation of our music. Acapella Rising, (501)
791-SING.

HOMEOWNERS! There may be Money For Your Home if you need:
METAL ROOFS, SIDING OR WINDOWS. The Government has set aside UP TO $25,000 PER
HOUSEHOLD FOR THESE IMPROVEMENTS! Save Hundreds!!!! *Free estimate. Payments
$59/Mo. No money down. 1-866-668-8681*wac. Senior and Military Discounts.**

BECOME A HOME INSPECTOR IN 30 DAYS OR
LESS - Class starts soon! We offer: Home & Commercial
Inspection Training, & Continuing Ed Inspection classes. For
details, info: Call 501-796-3627 or
email abc@tcworks.net for details or visit:, www.abchii.com.**

MEDICAL HELP WANTED! LPN/RN Charge Nurse - 3-11 shift and
CNA’s for several shifts for a skilled nursing facility.

Seeking hard working, caring, reliable team players that
enjoy coming to work and caring for our residents. Long term care experience
preferred. Four on, two off schedule. Shift diff. offered for 3-11 and 11-7.
Check out our OUTSTANDING PAY and GREAT BENEFITS. Please apply in person at:
1320 W Braden St, Jacksonville.**

DRIVERS!Join Our Team! $5000 Sign on bonus. Drivers are home every weekend.
Great benefits, paid holidays & miles. New equipment. Dry vans. Local
family owned & operated. Must be 23 years of age and have a valid class A
Commercial Drivers License. 2 years over the road experience is a must. With
You for the Long Haul. ThompsonTrans.net or call (501) 228-8800.**

COZY, ONE room studio apartments in Jacksonville. Bed
pulls down from wall in Living Room in front of wood burning fireplace.
Includes appliance filled kitchen. Starting at $325 plus utilities, deposit
$200. No children or pets. Camp Construction, (501) 982-0434.

House for Lease/Purchase Perfect home in Cabot for a
growing family! 2,303 sq/ft, 4 BR/3 FB, single story, walking trails to Middle
and Jr. High schools. Split floor plan. Fresh carpet in all bedrooms, fresh
paint throughout, and tile floors in living/kitchen areas. Large, fully fenced
backyard that backs up to wooded area. All contracts will be for lease with
option to purchase. $1400/mo. Please call 980-239-0735 for
more information.

The largest C-130 base in the world recently marked the end of a transition that first began 13 years ago. The 314th Airlift Wing at Little Rock Air Force Base received its final, new C-130J aircraft from a Lockheed Martin facility, Feb. 27, 2017. The 19th Air Force commander delivered the C-130J; and spoke about the future of the 314th AW and its international C-130 Center of Excellence training school. The 19th Air Force executes operational-level command and control of all formal aircrew flying training missions within the Air Education and Training Command.

1.You mention that Airpower starts in the First Command. What does that phrase mean and how does the 314th Airlift Wing play a part in it?

The First Command is what we call AETC because our command is the first that many encounter when entering the Air Force, the first command to touch the lives of our newest Airmen. From the moment they work with recruiters, head to basic and then to tech school, our Airmen are interacting and part of the First Command, literally, their first command within the Air Force.

But beyond the literal definition, we are their gateway to the Air Force. We mold them and develop them into the Airmen they will become and we instill in them the values as well as provide them the tools and skills for success.

Here at the 314th AW, you train and prepare Airmen for their first duty. You instill in them the values of the Air Force, the skills to be a pilot and the heart and drive of a Combat Airlifter. When they leave this unit and head into the operational force, they are well-trained, well-prepared and ready to complete their mission and provide combat airlift anywhere we ask them to go.

2. With this C-130J, the 314th AW now has its full complement of C-130Js. How will this help the 314th AW train to better prepare U.S. and coalition forces?

Now that we have 30 C-130Js in AETC, with 14 of them in the 314th AW, the 314th AW will continue to play a large role in training and educating not only our Airmen but our coalition partners and allied nations to deliver airpower across the globe. The ability to provide interoperability between partner nations has been a key aspect to success in our missions across the world and the unique ability of the 314th to train these partners as well as our own Airmen together. With the full complement of aircraft along with the extensive simulator program, the 314th is able to train students more efficiently than ever before and will continue to produce qualified and committed Combat Airlifters.

3. Why it is so important that the Center of Excellence is co-located with operational C-130J squadrons/mission?

By having both the training and operational arms of Combat Airlift located in one location, we are able to partner and better strengthen our capabilities to provide Combat Airlift across the world. When our Airmen training within AETC are able to look across the street or even the room and see the application of the training they are currently receiving, they are able to better understand the lessons taught and how they will apply them once they enter the operational side of things.

The fact that the operational arm is co-located also allows our Airmen to network and find mentors within the operational units that can help tie the lessons and real world applications together. When there are examples of Combat Airlift surrounding our Airmen, their ability to connect the two aspects of Combat Airlift increases and the lightbulb goes off above their head.

4. The 314th AW operates the DoD’s largest international flying training program; how does the academic partnership with other countries strengthen operational partnerships?

When students are able to train together and learn the functionality of the aircraft from the same source, they are better able to understand how each other thinks as well as speak in the same technical language. In addition, when students return to their home countries, they have networked and know many of the individuals they may work with in the future during coalition exercises or missions. These personal ties and partnerships allow a freer flow of communication when it really counts.

Improving these partnerships through the international training program truly does improve interoperability during exercises, and more importantly, during missions. The 314th AW enables combat airlifters from over 45 different countries to come together as a team and complete the mission efficiently and effectively not only in training but in real life as well.

5. One of AETC’s strategic vectors is “Motivational Mission Accomplishment,” what does this mean to the units and for the students who might go on to another MAJCOM after tech school?

Although our students may leave AETC, they don’t leave behind the ideals we uphold. We not only train our Airmen, but instill within them a sense of duty, a yearning for a challenge, the understanding that each day brings new learning and that if they push themselves, they are capable of so much. These values are more than just the skill to fly the aircraft; they are the driving force behind why our Airmen continue to soar both in the sky and on the ground.

When Airmen leave AETC and head to another command, they bring with them these values and live them out each and every day. In doing so, they contribute not only to our Air Force as they challenge themselves but as they challenge those around them to strive for more and to push to accomplish the mission. Although they are no longer in AETC, they motivate and challenge those around them to take it to the next level and in doing so, improve our Air Force and our nation.

6. What advice would you give to the C-130 aircrew and maintenance students going through the programs offered by the 314th?

Don’t lose focus. Our Air Force is made great by the hardworking, dedicated individuals like yourself. This constantly and rapidly changing world demands we find innovative ways to meet our mission. We need you.

7. How will the new T-X requirements potentially change undergraduate pilot training process and ultimately the follow-on formal training units such as the 314th AW?

There are a number of possibilities. The Air Force could stick to two aircraft training tracks, cargo and fighters, or try something entirely different. The real goal is to leverage the fourth and fifth generation technology in our newest aircraft and introduce it earlier in training.

No matter what aircraft is chosen for the T-X trainer, AETC has full confidence the 314th AW will adapt the training to produce world-class aviators who can meet our Nation’s future challenges.

8. How will you take the lessons learned here as a numbered Air Force commander and bring them to your next command?

If you never try something new, you will never improve your unit. In my next job, I will make sure to delegate authority to wing commanders. If you have a good wing commander, let them be commanders and don’t micromanage. As Gen. Goldfein said, to revitalize a squadron you must empower commanders to take risks and let them do what they think is right. If they fail, at least they tried something new. Give guidance, have them keep you informed, but let them do their job. Most squadron commanders know what’s going on in their squadron better than a wing or numbered air force commander.

Smoke rises from freshly placed asphalt on a newly paved road. A large construction vehicle cloaked in black soot sits at the end of the road signifying the job is almost done. The air is dominated by the smell of hot tar as Airmen from the 19th Civil Engineer Squadron pavement and construction equipment shop work to spread the asphalt evenly.

Better known as the “Dirt Boyz” for their close relationship with grimy terrain and messy construction materials, they are unsung heroes working long hours in unforgiving weather to maintain the base’s airfield, roads, fences and drainage systems.

“It’s the greatest job in the Air Force,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Butch Stewart 19th CES NCO in charge of the pavement and construction equipment shop. “It’s very gratifying because everybody benefits from the work we do.”

From the sweat of a summer’s day to the hardened cement flakes which cling to their uniforms, the Airmen work year-round excavating, pouring cement, paving asphalt, rooting trees, sweeping streets of debris and repairing barbed-wire fences which secure the base.

While deployed, their main priority is keeping the airfield serviceable for C-130s and other aircraft to take off and provide Combat Airlift capabilities globally.

Overseas and stateside, the “Boyz” work in all environments and with a variety of construction materials that coat their clothes in a day’s work.

“I’ve been covered in it all: mud, dirt, sand and cement.” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Mathew Kanakares, 19th CES pavement and construction equipment craftsman.

Their work is often labor intensive and lengthy, but morale and comradery is never lacking in their shop.

Generations of pavement and equipment operators have made the name (Dirt Boy) a term of endearment for the pride, comradery, hard work and long hours they share.

“When I hear the term ‘Dirt Boy,’ I get a feeling of pride which flows throughout the career field because once you’re a ‘Dirt Boy,’ you’re always a ‘Dirt Boy,’” Stewart said.

As experts in all types of heavy machinery, the 19th CES construction equipment Airmen are trained to operate everything from road graders, bulldozers and sweepers to dump trucks, excavators and front end loaders.

“I wouldn’t want to do anything else,” Stewart said. “I grew up playing with toy trucks, and now I get to play with even bigger trucks as a grown man.”

The “Dirt Boyz” may be known for dirt and soot, but their job is essential to the overall mission and security of Little Rock AFB. They work behind the scenes to keep the base serviceable so members of Team Little Rock can continue to provide Combat Airlift across the world.

C-130 maintainers worldwide begin their maintenance careers at Little Rock Air Force Base and for select instructors here, they craft those students into professionals supporting rapid global mobility.

The 373rd Training Squadron Detachment 4 instructor team provides state-of-the-art aerospace maintenance training to conduct direct operational support to Team Little Rock, Department of Defense and coalition Air Forces around the world.

Little Rock is the largest C-130 base where students receive mission-essential training and certifications.

The training squadron has a dual role, teaching Airmen returning for advanced training and new pipeline students straight from initial technical school training located at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas.

“We teach active duty, Guard, Reserve, civilians and international students,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jose Piedra, 373rd TRS Det. 4 production supervisor and instructor. “For every command that has a C-130, we will train their maintenance personnel.”

A vital part of that training is teaching students to understand the “why” of a maintenance malfunction, and not just reading from a technical order.

“I’ll have students that come in confused about a process and just repeat what the technical order says and not really understand what it means,” he said. “As we go through the course building one lesson on top of the last and showing them why an item works this way, I start seeing those light bulbs come on.”

Addressing issues and questions in the classroom that may happen on the flightline allows students the ability to relate to training.

“When they come to class there are no wrong questions because they come here to learn and make mistakes,” Piedra said. “I can easily fix the situation here in a controlled environment. When they are on the flightline, they are dealing with actual assets. If they break that asset, they take down an ability their command should have been able to offer.”

For every class offered at the 373rd TRS, each instructor brings a unique experience and background to the environment.

“The training has been insightful and interesting,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Aaron Knight, 373rd TRS student. “The different perspectives instructors bring to the classroom and the value of the information they provide are great resources with the course work.”

Understanding and diagnosing aircraft system problems and teaching other Airmen at their unit is the ultimate goal for every instructor for their students.

“When they take that knowledge back to the flightline it motivates me as an instructor,” Piedra said. “The training and structure remain the same for each student and it keeps up Air Force standards but it’s what each instructor brings to the classroom that really sticks with each of them.”

Providing flexible training worldwide, anticipate and exceed the needs of customers and promoting the highest standards of quality instruction is the goal for the 373rd TRS.

“We train the students how to accomplish their mission, to be more efficient with their time, and resources, and to be more proficient,” Piedra said. “We raise the bar for all of our students to be a better maintainer.”

The 41st Airlift Squadron celebrated its 75 year anniversary in February, inviting all current and former Black Cats and friends to commemorate the occasion.

The 41st AS stems from a long tradition of tactical airlift, which all began in mid-February 1942, with the creation of the 41st Troop Carrier Squadron at Duncan Field, Texas. Less than a year later, in January 1943, the 41st TCS found itself in the Pacific theater of operation.

New to the C-47 aircraft, untested, minimally trained, inexperienced and young, the men initially became known as the Jungle Skippers, providing tactical airlift throughout the Southwest Pacific. This elite group of young men understood the hazards and inherent risk of their profession and pushed themselves to be the best with a “safety first” mindset.

Then squadron commander, Major Herbert Waldman, stressed the importance of “safeguarding of equipment and flyer” in a belief that it was better for the war effort to ensure both made it to their destination, rather than take a chance and lose both.

Waldman stated “Everybody in our organization was made conscious of one factor … that the plane must be perfect before it left on its flight and the pilot must have every bit of available knowledge of the route and landing field to which he was going. In this way, every department -- engineering, intelligence, and operations -- was held as responsible as the pilot himself to maintain the safety record.”

Since its inception, the 41st takes the job of professional tactical airlift seriously and firmly understands that it takes a team to safely and effectively make the mission happen.

In the young squadron, the unit developed robust training programs and quality mission planning products to ensure pilots were armed with the best knowledge, judgment and aircraft possible to overcome the challenging missions of the day, in a time when fatal mishaps were common.

The culture of the 41st from its outset is unquestionably one of excellence and it showed in the recognized, impeccable safety and performance record of the 41st TCS during that time. In a unit Letter of Commendation dated Feb. 18, 1944, the squadron was recognized on its two year anniversary for flying operations without a fatal accident to passengers or members of the crew and also without the loss of an airplane.

Brig. Gen. Paul Prentiss noted in the commendation that “this record is particularly outstanding in view of the valuable contribution which your squadron and others of the 317th Group have made to the war in the Southwest Pacific, first on the mainland and later in New Guinea. Flying to Wau in January of last year [1943], dropping paratroopers at Nadzab in September, and carrying the daily loads to the Markham Valley and north have not been the safest assignments for your C-47s, and it is to the everlasting credit of your pilots, crews, maintenance personnel, and yourself that no serious accidents have been sustained throughout the thirteen months of foreign duty.”

The young men of the Pacific earned the unit’s Black Cat name during World War II and built a strong foundation which future generations steadfastly carried forward through Europe, Africa, India, Southeast Asia, the Americas, Kuwait, Bosnia, Iraq, and mostly recently in Afghanistan where the 41st AS, along with 19th Maintenance Group and Operations Support Squadron personnel, completed a highly successful combat deployment in January 2017.

The Black Cat name and symbolism of the squadron’s patch is derived from the 41st Troop Carrier Squadron’s outstanding safety record during WWII as it frequently overflew the “Black Cat Trail” in New Guinea. The Black Cat is pictured on our patch carrying its precious cargo safely over the clouds to its destination and has been our designated patch since 1943.

The US Air Force has a rich history with many roots that reach back well before the US Air Force’s creation in September 1947. From its beginning, the 41st set a high standard of professionalism and excellence which continues today. Our 41st Airlift Squadron story is only one thread of a rich U.S. Air Force tradition and history, a history we are proud to build upon.

In February 2017 we came together to celebrate our unique tactical airlift heritage, paying tribute to those who have gone before us in a special memorial service held on Little Rock’s flightline and toasting with pride that the extraordinary legacy of tactical airlift continues on here at Little Rock AFB. Only a select few from our nation choose to serve and it continues to be our distinct privilege to serve alongside such incredible Airmen and honor the memory of those giants that built the foundation upon which we continue to build upon today.